On October 17, 2024, the Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats in a thrilling Thursday Night Football matchup at the Caesars Superdome. The game ended with a decisive 33-10 victory for the Broncos, showcasing their dominance on both offense and defense. This article dives into the player stats, key performances, and what made this game a standout moment in the 2024 NFL season. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the numbers, we’ve got you covered with a clear, easy-to-read breakdown of the action.
Game Overview: Broncos Dominate in New Orleans
The Denver Broncos, led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix and head coach Sean Payton, came into the game with a 3-3 record, looking to gain momentum in the AFC West. The New Orleans Saints, struggling at 2-4 and missing key players like quarterback Derek Carr, aimed to turn their season around. However, the Broncos’ strong rushing game and relentless defense overwhelmed the Saints, resulting in a lopsided scoreline. Let’s break down the player stats and see who shone brightest on the field.
Box Score Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats Summary
Here’s a quick look at the final box score to set the stage:
|
Team |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Broncos |
3 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 33 |
|
Saints |
0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
The Broncos controlled the game from start to finish, with a balanced attack and a defense that pressured Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler all night long. Now, let’s dive into the individual performances that shaped this game.
Denver Broncos Player Stats
Passing: Bo Nix’s Steady Performance
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix was efficient, completing 16 of 26 passes for 164 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. His passer rating of 79.6 reflects a solid, if unspectacular, day throwing the ball. What stood out, though, was his ability to manage the game and avoid mistakes, a critical factor against a Saints team desperate for turnovers. Nix’s composure under pressure helped keep drives alive, setting up the run game to take over.
Rushing: Javonte Williams and Bo Nix Power the Ground Game
The Broncos’ rushing attack was the story of the night, amassing 225 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Javonte Williams led the way with 14 carries for 88 yards and two touchdowns, including an 8-yard score in the second quarter and a 5-yard touchdown in the third. His 6.3 yards per carry showed his ability to break through the Saints’ defense.
Bo Nix also made a significant impact with his legs, rushing 10 times for 75 yards, including a 32-yard scamper that set up a touchdown. His mobility added a dynamic element to the offense, keeping the Saints’ defense guessing. Other contributors included Jaleel McLaughlin (4 carries, 35 yards) and Audric Estime (5 carries, 29 yards), showcasing Denver’s depth at running back.
Receiving: Troy Franklin and Lucas Krull Step Up
With no passing touchdowns, the Broncos’ receivers focused on moving the chains. Troy Franklin led the team with 5 receptions for 50 yards, including a 30-yard catch that sparked a key drive. Tight end Lucas Krull added 3 catches for 41 yards, proving to be a reliable target. Javonte Williams also contributed in the passing game with 3 receptions for 23 yards, while Devaughn Vele (1 catch, 20 yards) and Marvin Mims Jr. (2 catches, 18 yards) made the most of their limited targets. The Broncos’ passing game was efficient, spreading the ball to seven different receivers.
Defense: A Dominant Display
The Broncos’ defense was the true star of the game, holding the Saints to just 271 total yards and forcing two fumbles. Linebacker Justin Strnad led with 9 tackles (6 solo, 1 sack), while Cody Barton made headlines with 8 tackles (6 solo, 1 sack) and a 52-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Cornerback Levi Wallace (8 tackles, 7 solo) and safety Ja’Quan McMillian (6 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss) were relentless in shutting down the Saints’ passing game.
Defensive ends Nik Bonitto (3 tackles, 1 sack) and Zach Allen (3 tackles, 0.5 sacks) added pressure, combining for 4 quarterback hits. The defense sacked Saints quarterbacks six times, with John Franklin-Myers and Jonah Elliss also contributing sacks. This unit’s ability to disrupt drives and create turnovers was pivotal in securing the blowout win.
Kicking: Wil Lutz’s Perfect Night
Kicker Wil Lutz, a former Saint, had a flawless performance against his old team, going 4-for-4 on field goals with a long of 52 yards and 3-for-3 on extra points, totaling 15 points. His consistency kept the scoreboard ticking, especially in the first half when the offense was finding its rhythm.
New Orleans Saints Player Stats
Passing: Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener Struggle
Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler started for the Saints, completing 25 of 35 passes for 172 yards, with no touchdowns and a passer rating of 82.1. While he avoided interceptions, he was sacked six times and lost two fumbles, including one that led to Denver’s defensive touchdown. Backup Jake Haener came in during garbage time, completing 3 of 4 passes for 38 yards and throwing the Saints’ only touchdown pass to Cedrick Wilson Jr. late in the fourth quarter. The passing game struggled to find a rhythm against Denver’s aggressive defense.
Rushing: A Quiet Day on the Ground
The Saints managed just 97 rushing yards, with Kendre Miller leading the team with 6 carries for 36 yards. Spencer Rattler added 5 carries for 34 yards, showing some mobility under pressure. Jamaal Williams (3 carries, 17 yards) and Alvin Kamara (7 carries, 10 yards) were held in check by Denver’s stout front seven, averaging just 4.6 yards per carry as a team. The lack of a consistent run game forced the Saints to rely heavily on their passing attack, which faltered.
Receiving: Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Mason Tipton Lead
Cedrick Wilson Jr. was the Saints’ top receiver, hauling in 6 catches for 57 yards and the team’s lone touchdown. Mason Tipton also had 6 receptions for 45 yards, while tight end Foster Moreau contributed 2 catches for 38 yards, including a 32-yard reception. Bub Means (3 catches, 37 yards) and Juwan Johnson (3 catches, 18 yards) rounded out the key targets. Alvin Kamara added 6 receptions for 14 yards, but the passing game couldn’t generate enough big plays to keep pace.
Defense: A Tough Night for the Saints
The Saints’ defense struggled to contain Denver’s run game and failed to record a single sack. Safety Jordan Howden led with 8 tackles (4 solo), while linebacker Demario Davis and cornerback Alontae Taylor each had 7 tackles. Cornerback Paulson Adebo (6 tackles) and safety Tyrann Mathieu (5 tackles) were active but couldn’t disrupt Denver’s rhythm. The defense allowed 389 total yards and failed to force any interceptions, putting too much pressure on the offense to keep up.
Kicking: Blake Grupe’s Limited Contribution
Kicker Blake Grupe was perfect on his lone field goal attempt (35 yards) and extra point, totaling 4 points. However, the Saints’ offense didn’t give him many opportunities to impact the game.
Key Moments and Game-Changing Plays
The game was defined by a few critical moments that swung momentum firmly in Denver’s favor:
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Early Defensive Pressure: The Broncos set the tone in the first quarter with a field goal and forced a fumble from Spencer Rattler, disrupting the Saints’ rhythm early.
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Javonte Williams’ First Touchdown: In the second quarter, Williams’ 8-yard touchdown run gave Denver a 13-0 lead, capitalizing on their dominant time of possession.
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Bo Nix’s 32-Yard Run: Nix’s 32-yard scramble in the third quarter set up Williams’ second touchdown, pushing the lead to 26-3 and effectively putting the game out of reach.
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Cody Barton’s Pick-Six: In the fourth quarter, Ja’Quan McMillian sacked Rattler, forcing a fumble that Barton returned 52 yards for a touchdown, sealing the 33-3 lead.
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Saints’ Late Touchdown: Jake Haener’s 17-yard touchdown pass to Cedrick Wilson Jr. in the final minutes was too little, too late, as the Broncos coasted to victory.
Why the Broncos Won
The Broncos’ victory came down to three key factors:
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Dominant Rushing Attack: With 225 rushing yards, Denver controlled the clock (33:16 time of possession) and kept the Saints’ defense on its heels.
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Stifling Defense: Six sacks, two forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown overwhelmed the Saints’ offense, particularly rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler.
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Mistake-Free Offense: Bo Nix’s clean game (no turnovers) and Wil Lutz’s perfect kicking ensured Denver capitalized on every opportunity.
The Saints, meanwhile, were hampered by injuries, a lackluster rushing attack, and an inability to protect their quarterback. The absence of key players like Derek Carr, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed left them short-handed against a well-prepared Broncos team.
Standout Players
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Javonte Williams (Broncos): His 88 rushing yards and two touchdowns were crucial in setting the tone for Denver’s ground game.
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Cody Barton (Broncos): His fumble return touchdown and 8 tackles made him a defensive MVP.
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Bo Nix (Broncos): His dual-threat performance (164 passing yards, 75 rushing yards) showed his potential as a franchise quarterback.
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Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Saints): Despite the loss, his 6 catches and touchdown were a bright spot for New Orleans.
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Spencer Rattler (Saints): While he struggled, his 172 passing yards and 34 rushing yards showed flashes of potential under tough circumstances.
Team Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats Comparison
Here’s a side-by-side look at the team stats:
|
Stat |
Broncos |
Saints |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Yards |
389 | 271 |
|
Rushing Yards |
225 | 97 |
|
Passing Yards |
164 | 174 |
|
First Downs |
22 | 15 |
|
Sacks |
6 | 0 |
|
Turnovers |
1 | 2 |
|
Time of Possession |
33:16 | 26:44 |
The Broncos’ edge in total yards, rushing, and defensive pressure was clear, while the Saints struggled to convert drives into points.
What This Means for Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats Both Teams
For the Broncos, the win improved their record to 4-3, keeping them competitive in the AFC West behind the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers. Bo Nix’s steady play and the defense’s dominance signal a team on the rise, especially with Sean Payton’s return to New Orleans adding extra motivation.
For the Saints, the loss dropped them to 2-5, highlighting their struggles without key offensive players. The team now faces an uphill battle in the NFC South, with questions lingering about their quarterback situation and defensive consistency.
Looking Ahead
The Broncos will look to build on this momentum as they face tougher opponents in the AFC, while the Saints need to regroup and address their injury concerns. This game showcased the importance of a strong run game and a disruptive defense, lessons both teams will carry forward.
Conclusion
The Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats on October 17, 2024, was a masterclass in execution by the Broncos. From Javonte Williams’ touchdown runs to Cody Barton’s game-sealing pick-six, Denver’s players delivered when it mattered most. The Saints fought hard but couldn’t overcome their injuries and Denver’s relentless pressure. Whether you’re a Broncos fan celebrating a big win or a Saints supporter looking for silver linings, the player stats tell a story of a game dominated by Denver’s ground game and defense. For more details on this game, check out sources like ESPN or Sportskeeda for full box scores and highlights.